The Robot Welder Trainee supports production by learning to safely set up, load, operate, monitor, and maintain robotic welding equipment used to fabricate heavy metal components and assemblies. This entry-level role is designed for individuals with mechanical aptitude, basic welding knowledge, and a strong willingness to learn automated welding processes in a fast-paced heavy manufacturing environment. The trainee will work under the direction of experienced operators, leads, supervisors, maintenance personnel, and engineering support to develop the skills needed to produce consistent, high-quality welds while following all safety, quality, and production standards.
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Safety-focused mindset and willingness to follow established procedures every time.
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Strong attention to detail, especially when checking weld quality, part fit-up, and fixture alignment.
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Mechanical aptitude and curiosity about robotics, welding equipment, fixtures, and tooling.
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Reliable attendance, punctuality, and readiness to work in a production environment.
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Coachability and willingness to accept feedback from trainers, leads, supervisors, quality, maintenance, and engineering personnel.
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Ability to stay organized, maintain a clean work area, and complete required documentation accurately.
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Team-oriented approach with clear communication when issues, defects, alarms, or safety concerns are identified.
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Persistence and problem-solving attitude when learning new equipment, weld processes, and production expectations.
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Learn and follow all company safety rules, robotic cell safety practices, lockout/tagout requirements, machine guarding expectations, and personal protective equipment requirements.
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Load, unload, position, and secure parts in welding fixtures according to work instructions, drawings, and trainer direction.
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Operate robotic welding cells under supervision, including starting approved programs, monitoring the weld cycle, and responding appropriately to alarms or process interruptions.
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Perform basic part preparation tasks such as cleaning, grinding, deburring, removing spatter, or verifying fit-up as required by the work order.
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Observe weld quality during production and identify common weld concerns such as excessive spatter, porosity, undercut, missed welds, poor fit-up, incomplete fusion, or inconsistent bead appearance.
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Use basic measuring and inspection tools, such as tape measures, calipers, squares, gauges, or weld gauges, to support first-piece and in-process quality checks.
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Replace or assist with replacing common welding consumables such as contact tips, nozzles, liners, wire, anti-spatter supplies, and shielding gas components as trained.
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Assist experienced personnel with basic troubleshooting of robot faults, wire feed issues, torch problems, fixture concerns, and quality deviations.
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Read and interpret basic work instructions, production schedules, blueprints, weld symbols, and quality requirements with trainer support.
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Document production activity, quality checks, downtime, defects, rework, and equipment concerns as required.
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Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area using good housekeeping practices.
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Support continuous improvement efforts by communicating observed problems, repeat defects, fixture issues, or opportunities to improve safety, quality, and productivity.
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Perform related fabrication, material handling, or production support duties as assigned and within training level.
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High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience preferred.
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Basic welding, fabrication, manufacturing, mechanical, or machine operation experience preferred but not required; prior robotic welding experience is not required.
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Ability and willingness to complete company-provided training for robotic welding equipment, safety procedures, quality standards, and production processes.
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Basic ability to read work instructions, understand part numbers, follow routing information, and recognize basic blueprint features; weld symbol knowledge is preferred but not required.
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Basic math skills, including the ability to read tape measures and understand fractions or decimals used in fabrication work.
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Ability to use or learn basic inspection tools such as tape measures, calipers, squares, and weld gauges.
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Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, ask questions when unsure, and communicate equipment, quality, or safety concerns promptly.
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Willingness to work assigned shifts, overtime, weekends, or schedule changes as production needs require.
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Must comply with all company safety policies, attendance standards, quality expectations, and workplace conduct requirements.
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Work is performed in a heavy manufacturing fabrication facility with exposure to welding arc flash, sparks, fumes, smoke, grinding dust, metal chips, loud noise, moving equipment, forklifts, cranes, hoists, robotic welding cells, and varying temperatures.
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Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment, which may include safety glasses, face shield, welding hood, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toe footwear, sleeves, respirator, and other task-specific protection.
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Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods during the shift and perform repetitive motions involving hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and upper body.
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Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, twist, push, pull, climb steps or platforms, and work around fixtures, tables, and equipment.
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Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull materials, tools, fixtures, and parts up to 50 pounds as required; heavier items must be handled with team lifting or mechanical assistance.
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Must be able to visually inspect welds, parts, gauges, screens, indicators, and work instructions, with or without corrective lenses.
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Must be able to hear alarms, verbal instructions, equipment sounds, and safety signals in a manufacturing environment, with or without hearing protection or accommodation.
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Must be able to work near automated equipment and follow all safe-distance, guarding, interlock, and lockout/tagout requirements.
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Must be able to perform essential job functions safely and effectively, with or without reasonable accommodation.
